Foreign investors sent $1.72 billion in profits and dividends out of Pakistan during the first nine months of FY25 — more than double the amount repatriated during the same period last year, according to fresh data released by the State Bank.
The figures show a sharp year-on-year jump of 108.21 per cent, as compared to $825.99 million recorded in the same period of FY24.
Most of these outflows — around $1.65 billion — were linked to foreign direct investment (FDI), reflecting a 115.77 per cent increase from $764.25 million a year earlier. Repatriation tied to portfolio investment rose more modestly, growing by 14.69 per cent year-on-year to $70.81 million from $61.74 million.
In March 2025 alone, foreign firms sent home $157.89 million in combined profit and dividend payments.
Sector-wise data shows that the Power sector accounted for the highest outflows during 9MFY25, with profit repatriation reaching $327.93 million. The Food sector followed with $290.98 million, while the Financial Business sector recorded $214.24 million in outflows.
Communications and Oil & Gas Exploration also saw notable repatriation figures during the review period, amounting to $110.94 million and $109.18 million, respectively.
A breakdown by country reveals that companies and investors from the United Kingdom repatriated the largest share — $511.22 million during the nine-month period — up significantly from $153.84 million in the same stretch of FY24. Of this, $80.97 million was sent back in March alone.
China came in second, receiving $221.43 million in profit transfers, compared to $79.68 million last year. The United States was next, with repatriations rising to $190.69 million — a substantial increase from $47.99 million during the same period in FY24.
The Netherlands also featured among the top recipients, with $162.76 million worth of profits sent back during the review period.
